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Background: We previously reported the numbers of sputum basophils are positively correlated with the numbers of sputum eosinophils in asthmatic patients. However, it remains unknown whether increasing airway basophils indicate a specific inflammatory phenotype or not. Objectives: The aim of this study is to clarify the specific phenotype increasing sputum basophils. Methods: We analyzed induced sputum samples from adult asthmatic patients who were treated with ICS more than 2 months. Sputum basophils were examined by flow cytometry and sputum eosinophils and neutrophils were examined under microscopy. The airway inflammation was divided into 4 subtypes, which are paucicellular type (neutrophils 60%, eosinophils 2%) and mixed cellular type (neutrophils >60%, eosinophils>2%). Chronic sinusitis was evaluated by CT scan and scored by the Lund-Mackay system. Results: Sixty-eight samples were examined. Sputum basophils were increased in eosinophilic type. On the other hand, the numbers of sputum basophils were not increased in mixed cellular type as well as paucicellular type and neutrophilic type. CT scan to evaluate chronic sinusitis revealed a positive correlation between the numbers of sputum basophils and ethmoid scores. Conclusion: Increasing sputum basophils were observed in eosinophil-dominant inflammtion but not in mixed cellular inflammation. Airway basophils may be a useful biomarker to select appropriate therapies in biologics era.

Background: Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein that reflects airway epithelial injury. In asthma, periostin is considered to be useful as a biomarker of type 2 inflammation. In addition, it has been reported that periostin associates with respiratory diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, it is unknown that the relationship between periostin and other biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: We investigated the relationship between serum periostin levels and other biomarkers including serum markers and pulmonary function. Methods: Ninety-three COPD patients were enrolled, and we reviewed associations among serum periostin, other serum biomarkers and clinical features. Results: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), IgE, and age showed correlations with serum periostin levels respectively, whereas blood eosinophils and stages of COPD showed no correlations. Conclusion: Periostin may be a useful biomarker of type 2 inflammation in COPD.